News

Euroa to benefit from wi-fi on trains

The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition will invest $40 million to deliver mobile coverage to bushfire-prone communities like Reedy Creek, Wandong and Broadford.

The Nationals Candidate for Euroa Stephanie Ryan said the new electorate of Euroa was a major winner from today’s announcement.

“As we’ve seen in recent bushfire events, reliable mobile phone coverage is essential for residents living in areas prone to bushfires or floods,” Ms Ryan said.

“Areas around Reedy Creek, Wandong, Heathcote-Junction and Kilmore East all have mobile black spots that make it difficult for residents to access SMS alerts and time-critical information from authorities during a natural disaster.

“I will also be lobbying to see this program assist communities in the northern part of the electorate like Tatong, Strathbogie and Goorambat which also have significant gaps in mobile coverage,” Ms Ryan said.

The Liberal Nationals Coalition is also calling for expressions of interest from mobile service providers to provide wi-fi on the Seymour train line.

“As anyone who commutes frequently on this line knows, it's very frustrating when you lose reception and you're unable to make phone calls, check emails or access the internet,” Ms Ryan said.

“Free and accessible wi-fi on the train will make it easier to live in Seymour and towns like Broadford, Tallarook, Kilmore and Wandong and commute to Melbourne for work, study or business.

“With 1.4 million passenger trips on the Seymour line each year, this will lift productivity and make our region an even better place to live,” Ms Ryan said.